Peaceful Solemnity at Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota

 

Pipestone National Monument in western Minnesota has long held sacred significance for Native Americans. For many generations, tribes quarried pipestone at the site in order to fabricate ceremonial pipes. Smoke from the pipes is believed to carry one's prayer to the Great Spirit.

Steep and blocky cliffs provide quite a contrast with the surrounding flat prairie at
Pipestone National Monument.

Arriving at Pipestone, we immediately noted the contrast between steep, blocky cliffs and the softer, flatter surrounding terrain. Already, the specialness of the site wrapped all around us. The stories of previous generations surrounded us.

Struck By The Ree tried to maintain peace between the settlers and the Yankton Tribe. He is credited with protecting the pipestone quarries and preventing over quarrying by the settlers. Sadly, his people were expelled from their land in one of the most horrible chapters of our history. Yet, his work helped ensure that the quarries would still be here today. Native Americans still come to Pipestone to quarry. We all can learn about the sacredness of the site and enjoy its remarkable beauty thanks to Struck By The Ree.

Trail Signs Provide Context

Signs throughout Pipestone provide cultural and natural context.

Trails are well marked at the monument with explanatory signs. While hiking and admiring the stunning landscape, we paused at various cultural markers along the trail. Above is the location of the Spotted Quarry which is named for the speckled pipestone that is quarried at this site. Signs like that above as well as more detailed placards provide so much context to the site.

Remarkable and beautiful Sioux Quartzite cliffs stand tall at Pipestone National Monument.

In addition to catlinite or pipestone, the site holds remarkably beautiful Sioux Quarzite. The Sioux Quartzite overlays the catlinite or pipestone in a much thicker layer. Lichens kiss the quartzite in green tones. 

Spotting Winnewissa Falls: A Waterfall in the Prairie

Winnewissa Falls awes at it tumbles over Sioux Quartzite.

Pipestone Creek tumbles over the Sioux Quartzite artfully crafting beautiful Winnewissa Falls! At some angles, the falls seemed to be protected by chunks of striking pink quartzite. We enjoyed tracing Pipestone Creek as it trickled away from the waterfall, delicately pulsing over smoothed boulders.

The Oracle watches over the preserve.

Interesting formations can be noted throughout the preserve. The Oracle represents one such figure. Gaze at the image above to see a face in the rocks. Legend has it that an early park superintendent, Lyle Linch, invented The Oracle for tourists in the 1940s. However, there is some indication that this particular spot may have further past cultural significance and it certainly does today.

Ancient Remnant Tallgrass Prairie

Thistle brightening up the remnant prairie at Pipestone National Monument.

Pipestone National Monument also maintains a rare remnant of tallgrass prairie untouched since prehistoric times. Summer presents a fantastic time to see the prairie with brilliant blooms about. A significant portion of Pipestone's prairie is untouched which means it has not been plowed. Prescribed burns are important to the vitality of the ecosystem and are used to manage this natural treasure.

An example of a ceremonial pipe crafted from pipestone.

During our visit, interpreters demonstrated how pipes are fabricated from the pipestone. A variety of pipes were available to view. Unfortunately, the visitor center was closed during our visit. We would love to return to visit the visitor center and once again appreciate the solemn beauty of the site. Pipestone National Monument provides a fascinating experience learning about Native American heritage. 

While in the area, I do also encourage visitors to visit Pipestone's small businesses, Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers Store, and the Pipestone County Museum. Outside of the Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers Store you will find the World's Largest Peace Pipe. 

World's Largest Peace Pipe in Pipestone, Minnesota